Artex Secrets Revealed: What Experts Don’t Want You to Know About Covering Ceilings in Jesmond

If you own one of the stunning Victorian or Edwardian properties in Jesmond, you’ve likely dealt with the "Artex Curse." Those heavy, swirled textures were the height of fashion decades ago, but today, they can make a beautiful period home feel dated, dusty, and, most importantly, potentially unsafe.

At MSP Plastering Solutions, we help homeowners across Newcastle upon Tyne reclaim their interiors with a focus on quality workmanship, flawless finishes, and proven customer trust. Whether you’re renovating a grand terrace in Jesmond, updating a family home in Gosforth, or modernizing a property in Ponteland, getting rid of Artex is often the number one priority.

But there’s a lot of "trade talk" out there that can be confusing. Do you scrape it? Do you hide it? Do you need to worry about asbestos? Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on Artex covering secrets so you can make the best decision for your home.

The Elephant in the Room: The Asbestos Reality

Before we talk about that flawless, smooth finish, we have to talk about safety. This is the part some "budget" contractors might gloss over, but as professionals, it’s our first priority.

Artex coatings applied before the year 2000 often contain white asbestos (chrysotile).

Asbestos is only dangerous when its fibres are disturbed and become airborne. This means if you start DIY-scraping or sanding your ceiling in Jesmond or Heaton without a test, you could be putting your family at risk.

How to Stay Safe:

• Never Sand or Scrape: If your home was built or renovated before 2000, assume there is asbestos until a pro proves otherwise.
• Get a Test: We always recommend a quick, inexpensive asbestos test. It gives you peace of mind and dictates which professional method we use.
• Leave it to the Experts: If asbestos is present, it doesn’t necessarily need to be removed, it can be safely encapsulated.

Two Expert Ways to Get a Smooth Ceiling

Once we know the safety status of your ceiling, we typically recommend one of two paths to achieve that stunning, modern look.

1. The Skimming Method (Perfect for Non-Asbestos Ceilings)

If your Artex is asbestos-free and the texture isn't too deep, professional skimming is the fastest way to a high-end finish. We apply a specialized bonding agent (often called "Blue Grit") to the ceiling. This creates a "key" for the new plaster to stick to. We then apply two coats of finishing plaster to create a seamless, glass-smooth surface ready for painting.

2. The Over-boarding Method (The Ultimate "Clean Slate")

For ceilings with heavy Artex patterns or confirmed asbestos, over-boarding is our gold standard. We mechanically fix new plasterboard directly over the existing ceiling, effectively "burying" the Artex.

Why Over-boarding Works Best in Jesmond:

• Total Encapsulation: It safely seals away old textures and asbestos.
• Flawless Finish: It provides a perfectly flat, brand-new surface for our skimming services.
• Better Insulation: Adding a new layer of board can slightly improve the thermal and acoustic properties of your room.

Why Jesmond Homeowners are Ditching the Texture

Jesmond is known for its high property values and discerning residents. A smooth ceiling isn't just about fashion; it’s about long-term value.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Smooth ceilings reflect light more evenly, making rooms in High Heaton or Kingston Park feel larger and brighter.
• Easier Maintenance: Artex is a magnet for dust and cobwebs. A smooth finish is easy to clean and even easier to repaint when you want a change.
• Increased Property Value: Surveyors and buyers in the North East prefer smooth finishes. An Artex-free home often sells faster and for a better price.

Our Signature Process: Clean, Quick, and Professional

We know that invited "the builders" into your home can be stressful. That’s why MSP Plastering Solutions has built a reputation for being exceptionally clean and tidy.

When we handle an Artex-covering project in Tynemouth or Whitley Bay, we don't just "do the job", we protect your home. We use heavy-duty floor protection, seal off doorways to prevent dust travel, and always perform a thorough clean-up at the end of every day. With 300+ positive reviews across major platforms — including over 220 on Checkatrade, 45 on Trustpilot, and 62 on Google — our clients know they can trust us with their most valuable asset.

Beyond the Ceiling: Completing Your Renovation

Covering your Artex is often just the first step in a home transformation. Once you see how bespoke and clean a smooth ceiling looks, you might want to look at the rest of your space.

Many of our clients in Darras Hall and Great Park combine ceiling skimming with our other core services:

• Wall Skimming: Ensuring your walls are as smooth as your new ceiling for a professional, "new build" feel.
• Bespoke Media Walls: We can integrate your TV, soundbar, and fireplace into a custom-built, perfectly plastered feature wall with full lighting and HDMI integration. Check out our Media Wall services for more inspiration.
• Plasterboarding: Essential for garage conversions or new extensions in Killingworth.

Ready to Transform Your Jesmond Home?

Don't let dated Artex hold your home back. Whether you're in Jesmond, Gosforth, or anywhere across the North East, our team is ready to provide a flawless finish that stands the test of time.

We offer competitive pricing without ever compromising on quality of finish. We are fully qualified, fully insured, and backed by 300+ positive reviews — including over 220 on Checkatrade, 45 on Trustpilot, and 62 on Google — while staying dedicated to leaving your home cleaner than we found it.

Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote Today

Let’s turn those textured ceilings into a stunning, smooth masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just paint over Artex to hide it?
Unfortunately, no. Paint will only highlight the texture and can sometimes make it harder to skim over later. The only way to hide it is with a professional bonding and skim or by over-boarding.

How long does it take to cover an Artex ceiling?
For a standard room, we can usually complete the over-boarding and skimming in 1 to 2 days. This includes setup and a full clean-up.

Will my room be a mess during the process?
Not with us! We pride ourselves on our cleanliness. We use protective sheets for your floors and furniture, and we clean the workspace thoroughly after completion.

Do you serve areas outside of Jesmond?
Yes! We provide internal plastering, media walls, and skimming services to homeowners and businesses in Gosforth, Ponteland, Darras Hall, Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, Killingworth, Heaton, High Heaton, Kingston Park, Great Park, and throughout Newcastle upon Tyne.

Is it expensive to get rid of Artex?
It’s more affordable than you might think! It’s a high-value investment in your property. We offer competitive, transparent pricing. You can even check our local price guide for more info.